
In Loving Memory
WJ
Willa Jean Robinson
November 12, 1947 — August 6, 2026
It is with heavy hearts and profound respect that we announce the passing of Willa Jean Robinson, affectionately known as Jean, who left this world on August 6, 2026, at the age of 78. Jean was born on November 12, 1947, in Birmingham, Alabama, to the late Willie James and Evelyn Taylor Hilliard. She passed away peacefully after bravely battling cardiac arrest and months of hospitalization due to vascular disease and other minor conditions.
Jean was a devoted wife to the late Jimmie Robinson and a loving mother to her two cherished children, Gregory and Kimberly, the latter of whom she now joins in eternal rest. Her family was the center of her universe, and she leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication. Jean is survived by her beloved son, Gregory Robinson, her brother, Willie James Hilliard, and her sister, Ruth Falbretta Hilliard-Brown. Though she had no grandchildren or great-grandchildren, her family ties were strong and deeply cherished.
Education played a significant role in Jean's life. She attended St. Agnes Elementary and High Schools before pursuing her passion for business at Wayne State School of Business. Her career at Northwest and Delta Airlines spanned an impressive twenty-eight years, where she excelled as a senior regional reservationist coordinator. Her professionalism and commitment to her work were admired by colleagues and friends alike.
Beyond her career, Jean had a profound love for writing. She was a highly motivated author of fictional novels, with several works pending publication. Her creativity and storytelling captured the hearts of many, offering a glimpse into her vibrant imagination. Additionally, Jean was an entrepreneur at heart. She invested in a large house, which she rented out for special occasions, sharing her sense of hospitality and creating memorable experiences for many.
Jean's life will be celebrated at a service held on August 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the James Cole Funeral Home, Northwest Chapel, located at 16100 Schoefer Hwy, Detroit, Michigan 48235. Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance of a life well-lived and to honor Jean's enduring impact on those she loved.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean's memory can be made to a charity of your choice, reflecting her generous spirit and commitment to making the world a better place.
Willa Jean Robinson's warmth, kindness, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, and her spirit will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of sharing in her journey.
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